Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist [Paperback]

Kathy Collard Miller (Author)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly

Miller, a self-described "recovering perfectionist," encourages women and men to examine whether they, too, have perfectionistic tendencies, exhibited by unrealistic expectations of themselves and others, an "all or nothing" approach to daily tasks and a propensity to raise the achievement bar ever higher, among other traits. (One intriguing chapter discusses how perfectionists feel "compelled to straighten out mis- understandings" and cannot let go of "the small stuff.") Many read- ers will recognize themselves in these pages, particularly in the recurring anecdotes about women who struggle to be perfect mothers. Miller offers a sound reminder of God's grace to those who strive to earn divine and human approval. (Mar.)
Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Product Details

• Paperback: 173 pages
• Publisher: Servant Publications; First Printing edition (March 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1569551278
• ISBN-13: 978-1569551271
• Product Dimensions: 7.8 x 5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 5.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,851,712 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Am I? Maybe...Maybe Not, December 19, 2000

By 

Eva Marie Everson (Casselberry, Florida United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist (Paperback)

The thing that enlightened me most about reading Kathy's book is that just when I found myself proudly exclaiming, "See! I'm NOT a perfectionist!", I turned another page and discovered that I am! Perfectionism takes on many different faces. Some of us feel the need for perfect homes or work environments. Others of us feel the need to be PERFECT in order to gain entrance into the Kingdom of God, eliminating grace altogether!"Grace is the opposite of perfectionism," Kathy so "perfectly" writes. "In fact, perfectionism could be called 'ungrace' or 'disgrace.'"

In this book Kathy does more than just point out the "signs of perfectionism." She gives us hope and direction with "charts" (as only a perfectionist would do!)with alternatives to our "behavior!" How freeing it is to be ME! without the stress!

At the end of the book I felt the relief of knowing I can enjoy an "orderly" life, without the chains of feeling less than adequate. Life, according to my husband, is not a magazine cover. Sometimes its a little messy. That's what makes it life!

And life is good!

Thank you, Kathy, for giving us such a treasure with your personal stories and insights!!

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars TOO Wonderful For Words! Thank you so much Kathy!, June 12, 2001

By 

Holly Johnson (CA, USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist (Paperback)

I never saw myself as a perfectionist. But when my mom said to me one day when I was worrying to stop being a perfectionist I thought I guess I am one! I looked at this book and the first time ignored it. But when I realized how much I needed it the second time I bought it! I am SO glad I did!

The first child or only child too tends to be a perfectionist so I have read. I guess that could explain it! That is beside the point. Kathys book will bring new light to your life.

Being a perfectionist and a Christian can be hard. The check list at the beginning that ask if you answer to most you are a perfectionist. I thought I was checking MOST but I got ALL once I read the book! I almost cried every time I read something new that made me realize that TOO was something I did because I was a perfectionist. It opened me up to new thoughts on being a perfectionist and a Christian all at once.

NO we are not perfect! We cant be or we would have NEVER needed JESUS! The rubber band idea is my favorite one, snap it for every bad thought you have about yourself! I still need mine to 'snap' I got out of my habit of snapping it because I wasnt doing it as much because of it! I love Kathys stories and honesty and how she throws it all in there to make you *think* She even leaves a note at the end where to write her by snail mail, email or visit her site! This gal is too wonderful!

If you are a perfectionist and a Christian this book is for YOU! I have seen many books on being a perfectionist the ones on how to stop being one and the ones on how to use it! (I work in a bookstore) But this is the FIRST and ONLY so far that is a Christian one! Much better because it deals with all thoughts on life the spirtual side and the other ones too!

God Bless You Kathy! You have brought a new light to my life and helped me see myself differently. I say BUY THIS BOOK! It will change you and make you feel differently and hopefully help you to eventually w/Gods graceful help change! :)

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfectionism Help, December 14, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Why Do I Put So Much Pressure on Myself?: Confessions of a Recovering Perfectionist (Paperback)

Kathy Collard Miller's book was very helpful in my pursuit of a greater awareness of the pitfalls of my perfectionism and some tools to deal with is. This book offers a practical way to catch the triggers that set off some unhealthy behaviors, and how to overcome them. I also like the fact that she tied in this issue to God. The book certainly helped me feel better about myself, and greatly enhanced my spiritual development.